Technically that is a headline. But many would argue that it isn’t really news.

Anderson Cooper has always been gray, for as long as I have “known” him. And I don’t really believe that it has affected his ability to report the news. I know that he could have chosen to hide the fact that he was gray early on in his career. We all know that age discrimination plays a significant role in the entertainment business.

Others could argue that he was intentionally gray to add credibility when he may have been considered too youthful to be able to deliver news alongside the seasoned anchors like Dan Rather or Ted Koppel.

But really, the truth is, as long as Anderson has been working in the media, he has always been gray and whether it was something he chose to cover up or not, there would be detractors who would make assumptions on why he made the choices he has.

I don’t think Anderson, or any gay person, (blonde, brunette or gray) has the obligation to share intimate details of their lives with the rest of the world. Labels can be very damaging – especially when you are attempting to objectively deliver the news in a time when the gay issue is still, believe it or not, a hot zone. Bullets continue to fly from both camps and political parties.

Coming out as a gay man puts an unnecessary target on a person who is trying to go into a war (literal and figurative) and report the news without the suspicion that the news will now be tainted — maybe gray and no longer black and white.

I don’t think Anderson’s recent headline was news for the reasons many may. He is a strategic headline maker and has helped choose what we as viewers are told from week to week from the far corners of the world. So when Anderson chooses the “take out the trash day” to deliver a well-calculated public letter to a longtime friend to say, “The fact is, I’m gay, always have been…” He is doing so in a very understated manner so as not to draw unnecessary attention – while still acknowledging his truth.

This certainly isn’t a, “This just in, from high atop my Pride float” headline – which he could have easily done anytime last month. In my opinion, Anderson wanted to deliver non-news in a most matter-of-fact way. Because it is a fact and it is an important fact. And it’s a fact that he hadn’t publicly acknowledged until now. No matter what his reasons may have been.

Besides, most gay people already knew. And a good part of the world figured it out when they watched him giggle himself silly on YouTube while reading his own humorous piece on Gerard Depardieu for the RidicuList.

To me, that was Anderson’s real coming out day. And I loved it. Because although you may have heard rumors, or you may have suspicions, when you have the rare moment to see beyond someone’s well calculated, public persona, and you see their playful, open and child-like heart. When it bubbles out all over the place and it cannot be contained, no matter how much damage you know it will do to your “credibility on the street.” You have just given someone a rare gift. You have given them a piece of who you truly are.

I have always admired Anderson for his work and, strangely enough, I was also producing and reporting from around the world, while holding the gay card very close to my vest. So on that day when Anderson Cooper came out to me personally on YouTube, I fell in love with him – for his vulnerability. I happened to be watching with co-workers at the Christian television network and while some around me muttered derisive comments like, “Yeah, I always thought he was gay.” He became even more of a hero for me. It was the first time I felt like I had an idea of who Anderson Cooper really was, behind the persona and behind scenes.

And I think it’s these honest, coming-out moments that make the most difference in a world that still argues over whether it is right or wrong to be gay. My mother, for instance, is still struggling with this issue in light of her religious convictions. To her, the Bible is very black and white on the subject. But the truth is, she loves her some Anderson Cooper. Believe it or not, this little headline is going to do a world of good in helping her and people like her all over middle-America, advance along the path of understanding and acceptance of this “gray” thing.

And that is where the headline is in Anderson’s recent coming out. He is choosing to open himself up and offer the rest of the world an opportunity to know more of who he is. He is choosing to identify with a group of people who have been marginalized, misunderstood and judged (and that is really what Jesus did when he walked this earth – not comparing Anderson to Jesus, I’m just saying!) That is the news.

And for gay people, that is good news. Because when someone has taken a lifetime to build a stellar reputation and could have easily continued down the “safe path” but chooses instead to come out and be counted – he has really done a noble thing. And it has to feel really good to get that out of the way so he can focus on the real news.

Thanks Anderson Cooper for standing up and being counted – when it still really does count.

Anderson is gay? I mean, who knew? Why does it matter? So many questions….

Lloyd Peacock

Another great piece James, God has given you a very special gift to write, please don’t ever stop. I, like many gay folks, had heard all of the rumours about Anderson being gay. Like you, it was confirmed the day I saw him break into giggles while delivering the news. Only a gay man can laugh so openly about something that strikes them funny. Sometimes I break out in gales of laughter about something silly, or perhaps a funeral. I often find the most serious situation funny. Though it is no one’s business I often wonder how much further we would be along in our struggle for acceptance if Rock Hudson and other well known personalities had come out of the closet? I do thank you and Anderson, and others who have recently taken the plunge. It will help many of our youth to accept their sexuality as a gift from God. Thank you.

Woodette

Loved the headline — glad it was not a typo!
Frankly, I like Anderson Cooper whether he’s gay or gray, or whatever.
It really all was non-news to me.
More power to him, but his personal life does not affect me one iota.

Bruce

Everyone says to me that they will never be seated next to Anderson Cooper from now on on a commericial flight. When they see Anderson sitting there they’ll think of a reason to catch another flight like, “oh I just remembered I left my car lights on in the parking lot”, or “aren’t I goofy, I have to find my phone I must have left it in the lobby.”

Woodette

Because he might talk a lot?
Because he is gray?

IHateApologists

I do not know of a single person, that is a fan— that ever thought that AC was anything but Gray or GAY.

You could spot his GAYNESS in 15 seconds or less and most did. Only surprise is in how long it took for the non-news headline to appear in the WaPo.

Who cares, anyway? Leave the dude be.

ricksta

Anderson is gay? So what. His reporting reminds me of Geraldo Rivera.

silencedogoodreturns

OK…he’s always been gray…but is he PROUD to be gray?

silencedogoodreturns

how many people do you know get to travel in first class?

silencedogoodreturns

isn’t that a bit girly?

eaconnor1

And then there was the GREAT line he delivered to Donna Brazile…”I want to be your boo…” during the last presidential campaign. Love ya, Anderson! As do my friends, male or female, gay or straight, any hair color!